If you want to become a new and improved wrestler, maybe what you need to do is take time off.

Just ask Reggie Lee.

Lee took a hiatus from Harvard last year, putting university life on hold. Now he has returned, at 197 lbs., with a more mature and disciplined attitude towards both wrestling and college.

Lee said his decision to leave was the right choice for him because he simply was not ready to grow up.

“I was able to get a lot out of my system,” Lee said of his time off. “I’d recommend it for anyone who feels confused or just needs a break.”

Lee said his departure was made easier with the support of coach Jay Weiss, who encouraged Lee to do what was best for him despite the fact the Crimson was hurting in the heavyweight class.

“I always do whatever is best for the individual,” Weiss said. “A year off gives [students] a chance to mature, respect academics more, and get a different perspective on things.”

Lee traded in his Harvard responsibilities for a whole different set of obligations. Instead of worrying about waking up for a nine o’ clock class for his history concentration, Lee had to make sure he arrived at work on time via his bicycle.

During his time away from school, Lee showed apartments with a real estate company based in Central Square. The experience opened Lee’s eyes to the world that awaits students after Harvard.

“It’s a lot different when you have to worry about paying bills,” Lee said.

The company employs several Harvard graduates who wrestled for the Crimson. Lee spent the year living with many of these former athletes in an Inman Square apartment.

Though Lee was not allowed to practice with the current team or at Harvard’s facilities, he worked out a great deal with his roommates and on his own. Their commitment to staying in shape helped him maintain his own level of fitness throughout the year.

“It was actually tougher being outside than being within the team atmosphere,” Lee said. “You’re not going to get any better [roommates] than I had.”

Lee’s transition back to Harvard was strange at first. The class with which he had entered had graduated, and he was now surrounded by many new faces. The change was made easier because his roommate Max Odom, who wrestles at 157 lbs., is also a fifth-year senior.

The squad welcomed Lee back by voting him to be their co-captain along with senior Jesse Jantzen.

Lee stayed in touch with his teammates while he was gone, went to matches and met most of the freshman during their recruiting visits to Harvard. As a result, getting back into the program was not a problem.

“Reggie’s presence as an athlete and leader is vital to the team,” Jantzen said. “The example he sets on and off the mat is one of class and hard work.”

Lee will be wrestling one weight class higher than when he left, at 197 lbs. instead of 184 lbs. However, this is not unfamiliar territory for him—he spent much of his freshman and sophomore seasons at the heavier weight.

Both Lee and Weiss agree his wrestling style is better suited to 197 lbs. At 184 lbs., the competition is much quicker. Thirteen pounds heavier, matches depend on physical strength.

“He’s as strong as a horse,” Weiss said. “At 184, he loses his strengths in wrestling.”

Weiss also said that spending time away from wrestling may improve Lee’s abilities because he is definitely ready to get to work.

“Without the competition, guys get hungry,” Weiss said. “He is more focused now.”

Lee also said that it easier for him to concentrate on both wrestling and college. Furthermore, Lee has gained a new appreciation for both because he recognizes he is not going to have another chance to play competitive sports after he graduates.

“The most you have when you’re older is neighborhood softball leagues and bowling,” Lee said.

After college, Lee is considering coaching wrestling at the high school level, indicating he may not leave the sport behind completely.

For now, however, Lee is focused on making the most of his collegiate wrestling career. He hopes to get to the Eastern Championship and be named one of the top eight All-Americans.

Last year, Lee needed a break.

This year, he’s finally ready to rumble.